BREAKING: Memphis Makes Bold Big 12 Play, Offering “No-risk” Deal Amid Conference Expansion Speculation

[City, State] – July 21, 2025 – Memphis has once again cast its gaze toward the Big 12 Conference, presenting a substantially enhanced financial proposal in a bid to secure an invitation. This latest overture, detailed by industry insiders, underscores the university’s persistent ambition to join a Power Five conference and marks a notable escalation in their expansion efforts.

Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Memphis is framing its current bid as a “no-risk” proposition for the Big 12. The proposed terms include a remarkable concession: Memphis would forgo any revenue distribution from the conference for its initial five years. Furthermore, the university pledges to inject substantial annual sponsorship revenue, reportedly as much as $3 million, directly into the coffers of each existing Big 12 member institution. To further sweeten the deal and demonstrate commitment, Memphis is reportedly prepared to accept expulsion from the conference after the 2030 season if the Big 12 deems that it has not added value.This bold move comes as the Big 12 continues to navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics. While the conference has previously rejected overtures from Memphis, as well as other prominent programs like UConn and Gonzaga, the university’s financial commitment appears to have grown considerably. Long-standing university sponsors, notably FedEx and Lowe’s, are reportedly instrumental in backing this financially robust offer, with FedEx expected to provide a significant gift that will enable Memphis to reach its projected $20.5 million in revenue sharing with its athletes by next year.

The renewed push for Big 12 membership highlights Memphis’s strategic vision for its athletic programs. Entering the 2025 season, the Tigers boast a highly competitive football team, fresh off back-to-back 10-win seasons. The men’s basketball program, under the guidance of Penny Hardaway, has also shown consistent NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the tournament in three of the last four years, albeit without advancing past the opening weekend.

Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Quest for Conference Realignment

Memphis’s aggressive pursuit of Big 12 membership is a microcosm of a larger, ongoing trend in collegiate athletics: the relentless drive for conference realignment. For universities, joining a Power Five conference offers undeniable advantages, including increased media revenue, greater national exposure, enhanced recruiting opportunities, and a more prestigious platform for all athletic programs. the financial backing from major corporate sponsors, as demonstrated by Memphis’s reliance on FedEx and Lowe’s, has become a critical component in making such aspiring expansion proposals viable.

The “no-risk” framing by Memphis is a strategic maneuver designed to assuage the concerns of existing conference members. by deferring revenue distribution and offering direct financial incentives, Memphis aims to demonstrate its value proposition in a tangible way, mitigating potential financial downsides for the Big 12. The inclusion of an expulsion clause further underscores a willingness to prove its worth and adhere to the conference’s expectations.

However, the article also subtly touches upon a timeless challenge in college sports: the perception of value and fit. Despite financial incentives, conference invitations are not solely transactional. Conference affiliations are frequently enough influenced by a complex interplay of factors including brand alignment, competitive strength across multiple sports, fan engagement, and the overall strategic vision of the conference. memphis’s previous rejections, even with its current enhanced offer, suggest that the Big 12 might potentially be prioritizing other institutional attributes or strategic priorities at this time.

As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to shift, driven by media rights deals and the ever-present pursuit of competitive advantage, stories like memphis’s persistent outreach will likely remain a recurring theme. The ability of a university to leverage financial resources and demonstrate strong athletic performance will be crucial, but ultimately, the decision to expand often hinges on a delicate balance of strategic alignment and proven long-term value.

How does the Big 12’s emphasis on academic reputation impact Memphis’s chances of being accepted?

Memphis’ Big 12 Bid Faces Another Rejection

The Latest Setback for Memphis Athletics

On July 21, 2025, the Big 12 Conference reportedly rejected Memphis’ latest application for membership, marking the second consecutive denial for the University of Memphis athletic program. This decision continues a period of uncertainty for the Tigers, who have been aggressively pursuing a Power Conference invitation for years. The rejection stems from a complex interplay of factors, including conference expansion strategy, media market considerations, and existing institutional commitments. This news impacts Memphis football, Memphis basketball, and all other Tiger athletic programs.

Understanding the Big 12’s Expansion Criteria

The Big 12’s recent expansion choices – and rejections – highlight specific criteria the conference prioritizes. These include:

Academic reputation: The Big 12 has increasingly emphasized the academic standing of potential members.

Media Market Size & Reach: access to large and growing television markets is crucial for maximizing revenue.

Financial Stability: Potential members must demonstrate strong financial resources and a commitment to investing in athletics.

Geographic footprint: The conference aims to maintain a reasonable geographic balance.

Competitive Success: Consistent performance across multiple sports is a significant factor.

Academic Standing: Compared to other contenders, the University of Memphis’ academic rankings are lower.This is a consistent point of concern for the Big 12.

Media Market Competition: While Memphis is a sizable media market, it competes with other Southeastern cities for viewership and advertising revenue.

Conference Realignment Landscape: The evolving landscape of college athletics,including the expansion of the SEC and the potential for further conference shifts,adds complexity to the Big 12’s decision-making process.

Existing Commitments: The Big 12 has already solidified its expansion plans with additions like BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF, potentially limiting immediate opportunities for further expansion.

Recruiting Challenges: The lack of Power Conference affiliation makes it more difficult for Memphis to attract top-tier recruits in football and basketball.

Revenue Disparity: Remaining in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) means substantially lower revenue sharing compared to the Big 12.

Brand Perception: the perception of Memphis athletics as a mid-major program persists, impacting national visibility and prestige.

Economic Impact on Memphis: A Power Conference membership would bring increased tourism, media exposure, and economic activity to the city of Memphis, Tennessee. The rejection represents a lost prospect for economic growth.

Advocate for Academic Investment: Contact university officials and state legislators to emphasize the importance of academic improvements.

Support Athletic Fundraising: Contribute to athletic fundraising initiatives to demonstrate financial commitment.

Engage with the University: Attend athletic events and actively support Memphis teams.

Stay Informed: Follow credible news sources and analysis to stay up-to-date on conference realignment developments.

Promote Memphis: Share positive stories about Memphis athletics and the city of Memphis on social media.